Student Concern For Trees Delays Vote On Removal

HADDAM — Before the Regional District 17 school board voted on whether to cut down pine trees outside Haddam-Killingworth High School, a board member asked whether anyone had questions or comments.

Molly Danaher had something to say.

The high school junior earlier this month told board members she opposed cutting down the trees.

``It's part of the look of our school,'' she said Wednesday. ``If those trees are taken down, it's going to take away from the beauty of the school.''

After hearing her concerns about the trees, the board put off action on the issue until its Dec. 13 meeting.

Robert Bilafer, chairman of the buildings, grounds and transportation committee, said Danaher's concern helped persuade the board to delay the vote.

Danaher and Emrys Tetu are the two student representatives to the school board. They bring student concerns to the board and in turn relay information to the student council.

The suggestion to cut down some or all of the 40 tall pine trees in front of the bus garage was made by the board's buildings, grounds and transportation committee. The trees conceal the garage, making it more difficult to spot vandalism, said Fred Kelly of the buildings and grounds department at the school.

``If it's night, driving by it could hinder you observing that area,'' he said.

But Danaher and other students say that is not a good enough reason to cut down the trees.

She said student council members agreed to circulate a petition that they will present to the buildings, grounds and transportation committee at its next meeting, Tuesday.

The concern indicates just how seriously students are taking their role during the first year they have had representatives to the board, said Superintendent of Schools Charles F. Sweetman Jr.

``The board of education is in existence in order to deliver services to kids, so one of the groups they wanted to hear from is kids who have gone through the system,'' he said.

She said she is now sure board members take her seriously.

``At first we were kind of hesitant because it was a group for adults,'' she said.

``When I came home that night from that meeting, I was ecstatic that they actually listened to me,'' Danaher said.